Frank Relva

1943 - 2021

Frank Relva
Francisco “Frank” Relva, Jr. died in his Lathrop, California home on February 23, 2021 at the age of 77. His final days were spent surrounded by family who played him his favorite music, shared stories, and expressed their love until he passed peacefully at 4:46AM.

Frank was born August 16, 1943 in Oakland, California to Francisco and Mary Relva of San Leandro. They raised him alongside his two sisters and one brother in San Leandro. He graduated from San Lorenzo High School in 1961. In school he excelled in sports, especially baseball and football. He also developed a knack for art, love of history, appreciation for classic country and western music, and a deep passion for collecting. Frank was an avid collector, most notably of stamps since age 11. He was an active member of the American Philatelic Society and continued his membership and collecting until the end of his life.

After high school Frank enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in France where he served as a military policeman, played on U.S. military sports teams, and eventually studied history. After his military service, he returned home and married Gloria Felizianetti of San Lorenzo; they had one son, Eric Relva on May 29, 1967- born the same day Frank accepted a job with San Francisco-based labor union, ILWU. Exactly one year to the day later, May 29, 1968 his daughter, Gina Relva was born. Frank and Gloria purchased a home in San Lorenzo, California - where they both attended the same high school - and remained married until the late 1980’s. In 2008, after 40 years, Frank retired from the ILWU.

As he was nearing retirement, Frank moved from the Bay Area to Lathrop in the Central Valley to enjoy a quieter pace of life. Thereafter he married Shyla Barrow, circa 2005, and they spent their retirement years together. Frank loved the Oregon coast and the couple would travel there frequently to visit family and enjoy the ocean air. He had a love of outdoors, animals, and nature. His cruise to Alaska post-retirement was one of the most memorable trips of his life.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Shyla on March 13, 2019. He is survived by his daughter, Gina Relva and son, Eric Relva; sister, Darlene Medeiros; grandchildren, Jack Relva, Ryan Long, Tori Relva, and great granddaughter, Diana Relva, daughter of Jack and his wife Deyanire; nephew, Jeff Medeiros and niece, Stacy Warren; and many extended family members, beloved step relatives, and in-laws. A special appreciation – family would like to acknowledge the following friends who were always there for him to the end of his life: Keith Graham, Bill Nelson, Dr. Karl Wolf, and his dear caregiver Jessica Villafan.

A memorial service will be held virtually on Sunday, March 21 at 11:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is requested: http://bit.ly/3kEcFrm